Multiposition multilevel user interface system

ABSTRACT

A multipositional, multilevel user interface system including a keyboard over a base surface for a pointing device such as a mouse. The keyboard and base may be at a fixed angle or rotate relative to each other about a hinge axis to reveal the surface, providing a portable keyboard and pointing surface. A kickstand can support the keyboard above the base in an open position. The keyboard and pointing device can be used with two hands with the system resting in a user&#39;s lap. The keyboard can also swivel about an axis other than the hinge axis. The keyboard can swivel 180 degrees for left-handed use, and can be positioned at other detent angles for comfort. A mouse can also be stowed on the base with a magnetic, friction, or other coupling. The interface system can further include a communication interface and/or a processor to communicate with another computing device.

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/569,187 filed May 7, 2004; of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/915,510 filed Aug. 2, 2004; of U.S. patent application titled “Modified Keyboard And Systems Containing The Keyboard” with attorney docket number 20167/1200947-US2; and of U.S. patent application titled “Multi-Mode Pointing Device And Systems And Methods Using The Pointing Device” with attorney docket number 20167/1200947-US3, the contents of all four of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a user interface system, and more particularly to a user interface system with multiple input and/or output devices that can be positioned at one or more orientations and/or at multiple distances relative to each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer keyboards, mice, keypads, and other user interface devices are typically separate from each other and used on a stationary surface. In some cases, such as with laptop computers, a keyboard, touch pad, trackball, and/or cursor stick are integrated into the laptop housing. The keys, cursor stick, and/or buttons usually can move relative to the laptop housing, but each interface device generally does not move separately from the laptop housing. Some laptops include a mouse that is coupled to a laptop housing with a pivoting arm so that a user can move the mouse relative to the laptop housing. Nevertheless, reorientation of the laptop affects the orientation of the mouse and other interface devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a lapboard in its open position;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the lapboard components used for rotating and supporting keyboard support relative to base;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the lapboard in its closed position;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the lapboard in its closed position;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of swiveling components that enable the swiveling keyboard to rotate; and

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of electronic components of the lapboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as devices or methods. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Illustrative Operating Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which the present invention may operate. However, not all of these components may be required to practice the invention, and variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a network 100, such as the Internet, enables communication among a number of devices, including a receiver 200, a remote receiver 200 b, and a server 500. Receiver 200 generally enables a user to interact with a virtual environment, such as a game, a simulation, and the like. For the virtual environment and other processing, receiver 200 executes both locally stored machine instructions and machine instructions that are communicated from a server 500. Receiver 200 can communicate with server 500 through network 100 via a modem 10, such as a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, and the like. Receiver 200 also communicates with a display 10, such as a high definition television, a standard definition television, a computer monitor, and the like.

Receiver 200 communicates through a controller connection 202 to a lapboard 300 that enables the user to interact with the virtual environment. Controller connection 202 provides wired or wireless communication according to a local communication protocol, such as universal serial bus (USB), Bluetooth™, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and the like. Lapboard 300 is sometimes referred to as an icontroller, because it can be used as a hub for a number of peripheral interfaces. Lapboard 300 can also rest on a user's lap during use, so the term lapboard is used for convenience, but the term should not be construed as limiting. Lapboard 300 may include a fixed or a swiveling keyboard 330 and a mouse 340 for user input. Mouse 340 can be in wired or wireless communication with receiver 200. Other devices can be used for user input and/or output, such as a joystick 356, a track ball, a wheel, a pedal, a biometric sensor, a tactile feedback device, and the like. Lapboard 300 or receiver 200 can also communicate with a wired or wireless headset 350 for voice and/or other audio input and/or output. Headset 350 includes one or more speakers 352 and a microphone 354. Lapboard 300 can also be configured to include some or all of the components of receiver 200, such that a separate receiver 200 can be minimized or eliminated.

Illustrative Lapboard

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of lapboard 300 in an open position, allowing simultaneous use of the mouse and keyboard without significantly extending the keyboard's footprint. One embodiment of lapboard 300 is permanently fixed in an open position as shown. Another embodiment is hinged, and shown in FIG. 2A in its open position. In this hinged embodiment, lapboard 300 includes a base 310 that is rotationally coupled by a hinge 312 to a keyboard support 320. Base 310 and keyboard support 320 rotate relative to each other about hinge 312. When keyboard support 320 is rotated away from base 310, a larger surface area of base 310 is available for moving mouse 340. Keyboard support 320 is also rotationally coupled to swiveling keyboard 330 such that swiveling keyboard 330 rotates about swivel axis 331 and in a plane substantially parallel to an upper surface 322 of keyboard support 320. Swiveling keyboard 330 can be rotated to any position convenient for a user, including swiveling 180 degrees for left handed use. The ability to swivel the keyboard is also useful when placing lapboard 300 in the user's lap while seated. Swiveling keyboard 330 can be allowed to rotate freely at all times or can be fixed in one or more positions with a detent, a pin, a rotational friction brake, and the like.

At a mouse end 324 of keyboard support 320, a mouse stowage coupler 332 can be attached to, and/or incorporated into, keyboard support 320 and/or swiveling keyboard 322. Mouse stowage coupler 332 can hold mouse 340 in position, such as when lapboard 300 is not in use. Mouse stowage coupler 332 can comprise a magnet, a hook, a loop and/or hook strip (e.g., Velcro™), and the like. Lapboard 300 can also include a biosensor 334 for detecting a characteristic of a user, such as a finger print and the like. To provide status information, a visual indicator 336, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the like can be included with lapboard 300 and/or the receiver. Other visual effects can also be included, such as backlighting of swiveling keyboard 330, a light over base 10, and the like. Lapboard 300 can also include a navigation control, such as a 5-way navigation control 338.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of exemplary lapboard 300 components used for rotating and supporting keyboard support 320 relative to base 310. A keyboard support arm 326 is rotationally coupled to base 310 via hinge 312. When lapboard 300 is fully assembled, keyboard support arm 326 is attached to keyboard support 320. In one embodiment, keyboard support arm 326 forms a channel and includes a cutout 328 through which a kickstand 314 can travel as keyboard support arm 326 is rotated relative to base 310. Kickstand 314 rotates about a kickstand hinge 316 that is coupled to base 310. Kickstand 314 can be allowed to rotate to a position that is slightly beyond perpendicular to base 310 to a locking position. As kickstand 314 rotates, a kickstand pin 318 travels in the channel formed by keyboard support arm 326. When keyboard support 320 is attached to keyboard support arm 326, kickstand pin 318 supports keyboard support 320. Other configurations can be used, such as a pin in a track on a bottom surface of keyboard support 320, a rack and pinion, a spring, a support rod, and the like. In addition to the support components described above, FIG. 2B also illustrates an extent of a mouse surface 342.

FIG. 3A is a top view of lapboard 300 in its closed position. Mouse 340 can be held in a stowed position on base 310 by a friction fit with a stowage coupler flange 332 a. Swiveling keyboard 330 can have a variety of key layouts for conventional or specialized use. For example, one embodiment includes a numeric keypad 360 located on a left side of swiveling keyboard 330. Numeric keypad 360 may have a convention configuration of keys, or a modified configuration of keys for special purposes. For example, some keys can be configured for specific uses, such as navigating a cursor. For instance, arrow key sets 362 a and 362 b can be arranged in an inverted-T for easy navigation with three fingers. Multiple sets of arrow keys enable both left-handed persons and right-handed persons to use swiveling keyboard 330 and mouse 340 concurrently. For left-handed persons, lapboard 300 can be rotated 180 degrees so that mouse 340 is on the left side. Swiveling keyboard 330 and mouse 340 can then be rotated 180 degrees to be facing the user in the appropriate positions.

FIG. 3B is a front view of lapboard 300 in its closed position. Mouse 340 is shown held in its stowed position by a friction fit between stowage coupler flange 332 a and an outer edge 348 of keyboard support 320. To assist with the friction fit, and ease of holding, mouse 340 can be formed with a concave perimeter 346. Lapboard 300 includes a receiver jack 364 for connecting the lapboard to a computing device such as receiver 200, a personal computer (PC) or other computing device. Lapboard 300 can also act as a USB hub with one or more auxiliary jacks 366 a through 366 c. One of the auxiliary jacks can be used for communicating signals between mouse 340 and the computing device. In addition, or alternatively, an audio jack 368 is included for communication with an audio device such as a headset.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of swiveling components that enable the swiveling keyboard to rotate. A keyboard lower housing 338 rotates between a bearing plate 370 and keyboard support 320. Bearing plate 370 can be formed from an ultra high molecular weight material or other strong and light material that provides low friction. Bearing plate 370 is slightly force fit into a rotation tray 339 of keyboard lower housing 338. The slight force fit keeps the swiveling keyboard from rotating too freely, yet enables a user to rotate the swiveling keyboard with a small amount of finger force. Bearing plate 370 is also attached to keyboard support 320 such that bearing plate 370 remains stationary relative to keyboard support 320. Keyboard lower housing 338 rotates on bearings 374 a and 374 b. The bearings can be formed from a low friction plastic, metal, or other material. The bearings are allowed to rotate within bearing holes 375 a and 375 b, which are formed in bearing plate 370. The bearings are held in place by a spring 372, which is attached to bearing plate 370. The bearings roll along a bearing surface 376 within rotation tray 339. Bearing surface 376 includes hollows 378 into which the bearings are forced by spring 372 when keyboard lower housing 338 is rotated. These hollows provide detent positions for holding the swiveling keyboard at a fixed angle. A user can overcome the detent positions with finger force. Other rotation and/or detent mechanisms can be used for the swiveling keyboard.

Illustrative Lapboard Electronics

FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary lapboard 300, according to one embodiment of the invention. Lapboard 300 may include many more components than those shown. For example, lapboard 300 may include some or all of the components of the receiver to enable direct communication between lapboard 300 and an online game service. The components shown, however, are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the invention.

Lapboard 300 includes a controller 400 and a mass memory in communication with each other via a bus 402. In one embodiment, controller 400 includes a peripheral hub 401, such as a USB hub, to control all peripheral communication with receiver 200. An example of such a controller includes a CY7C66113-PVC from Cypress Semiconductor Corp. In another embodiment, controller 400 may comprise a general purpose processor that may perform some or all of the processing done by the separate receiver. The mass memory generally includes a lapboard RAM 404, a lapboard ROM 406, and can include one or more permanent mass storage devices, including a flash memory, and the like. The mass memory stores control code 410 for controlling the operation of lapboard 300. A lapboard BIOS 412 is also provided for controlling low-level operation of lapboard 300.

In one embodiment, controller 400 communicates with the receiver or other computing device via a receiver interface unit 420, which is constructed for use with serial or parallel communication protocols, including USB, Ethernet, and the like. Receiver interface unit 420 can be configured for wired or wireless communication via infrared signals, radio frequency signals, and the like. In another embodiment, receiver interface 420 may include some or all of the components of a separate receiver. For example, receiver interface 420 may include a modem and/or other circuitry for communicating through the Internet and/or other networks. Receiver interface 420 may also include security circuitry and/or software for encryption/decryption, digital rights management, and/or other controls. Auxiliary interface units 422 a and 422 b can also communicate with controller 400 to enable additional peripheral devices, such as a joystick, wheel, and the like to communicate with the receiver or other computing device. A similar interface unit is provided as a pointer interface unit 422 c for communicating with a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, electronic pen, and the like. Interface units 422 a-422 c can use serial or parallel communication protocols, and be configured for wired or wireless communication.

Lapboard 300 also includes keypad 430 in communication with controller 400. Keypad 430 may include circuitry for interpreting activations of keys. One or more visual indicators 432, such as light emitting diodes, are in communication with controller 400 and provide status indications such as power setting, disk drive access activity, network communication activity, and the like. A switch control interface 434 interprets activation of a 5-way control switch, an embedded thumbstick, and/or other switches. Lapboard 300 further includes an audio interface 436 for communicating with audio devices such as a headset, speakers, hi-fi equipment, and the like. A biometric sensor interface 438 processes signals of a biometric sensor. 

1. A user interface system comprising: a base including an attachment end and an open end; and an electronic keyboard coupled to the base at the attachment end, such that the keyboard forms an angle with the base, exposing a surface of the base;
 2. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a keyboard support hinged between the base and the keyboard to enable the keyboard to rotate relative to the base to expose the surface of the base.
 3. The user interface system of claim 2, wherein the keyboard is rotationally coupled to the keyboard support such that the keyboard can rotate relative to the keyboard support.
 4. The user interface system of claim 3, wherein the keyboard rotates about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the keyboard support.
 5. The user interface system of claim 4, further comprising a rotation guide attached to the keyboard support and interfacing with a grove in the keyboard.
 6. The user interface system of claim 3, wherein the keyboard includes at least one detent positioner to hold the keyboard in a rotated position relative to the keyboard support.
 7. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a kickstand that holds the keyboard in an open position relative to the base.
 8. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein the base is sized to rest on a user's lap.
 9. The user interface system of claim 1, wherein the surface of the base supports an electronic pointing device for communicating position information of the pointing device to a computing device.
 10. The user interface system of claim 9, wherein the surface of the base comprises a mouse pad.
 11. The user interface system of claim 9, further comprising a pointing device stowage coupler that holds a pointing device in a stowed location when the pointing device is not in use.
 12. The user interface system of claim 9, further comprising a pointing device communication module that enables the pointing device to communicate through the user interface system to an electronic computing device.
 13. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a communication module that enables the electronic keyboard to communicate with a computing device through one of a one of a wired and a wireless connection.
 14. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator that indicates a status of communication with a computing device.
 15. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a multi-positional switch pad.
 16. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising a biometric sensor that senses a biological characteristic of a user.
 17. The user interface system of claim 1, further comprising an audio communication module that enables audio signals to be communicated between the user interface system and an audio transducing device.
 18. An electronic user interface system comprising: a processor; a peripheral communication hub in communication with the processor, the peripheral communication hub enabling communication between at least one electronic peripheral device and a remote computing device; a keypad in communication with the processor; a keyboard housing holding the processor, the peripheral communication hub, and the keypad; and a base rotationally coupled to the keyboard housing such that the keyboard housing rotates relative to the base.
 19. The electronic user interface system of claim 18, further comprising a keyboard support hinged between base and the keyboard to enable the keyboard housing to rotate relative to the base to expose a surface of the base.
 20. The electronic user interface system of claim 18, wherein the at least one electronic peripheral device comprises at least one of a pointing device and a game control device. 21-23. (canceled) 